gsoto.jpgGeovany Soto, Chicago Cubs: Catchers who have put up the kind of monster offensive numbers that Soto has so far usually go by the name of “Mike Piazza” and find themselves harangued by the New York media into giving uncomfortable press conferences about their sexuality. Temper the expectations about Soto, though. As eye-poppingly nutzoid as his early numbers have been, he also became the first player to whiff in eight straight at-bats in some time. Cubs fans right now are beyond giddy; offer Soto up to similarly inclined owners in your league for a bushel of useful stuff (a B-list catcher like Ryan Doumit and a closer?) and enjoy the bounty.
 
Stats through Sunday: .333 BA/.430 OBP/.618 SLG, 12 doubles, 5 HRs, 23 RBI in 102 at-bats
 
jsaunders.jpgJoe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels of Wherever the Hell They Actually Play: You know what I hate? Lefties who don’t miss bats or paint the corners in true Glavine-esque fashion. Does this sound like any pitcher on the Angels roster named Joe Saunders that you know? Hurlers whose primary skills are “poise” and “personality” rarely remain unhittable for too long. Also note that, with the exception of games against the Indians and Red Sox, Saunders hasn’t faced too many real lineups yet.
 
Stats through Sunday: 6-0, 2.61 ERA in 48.1 innings

 
cjackson.jpgConor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks: I ignored the early run on first basemen and drafted Jackson late this year. Over the last five weeks, his performance has brought me more joy than family, religion, and dessert combined. Hell, the guy runs like a refrigerator, yet he has still managed to leg out three triples and two steals. I don’t understand it and I don’t care to think about it too deeply. Maybe Jackson plus a trinket nets his owners one of the loagy-start first base monsters (Ryan Howard or Prince Fielder) in return?

Stats through Sunday: .343 BA/.421 OBP/.590 SLG, 5 HRs, 25 RBI in 105 at-bats